In recent remarks, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, called on Japan and South Korea to establish a sense of “strategic autonomy” from the West and work with Beijing to “revitalize Asia.” Wang’s comments reflect China’s desire for greater regional influence and its belief that the United States is a disruptive force in the region. However, this perspective is not universally accepted, particularly by US allies South Korea and Japan.
South Korea and Japan, along with other US allies in the region, see the US as a necessary presence in Asia to counterbalance China’s growing power. They view an Asia without America as an Asia dominated by China, which they deem unacceptable. They “invite” the US into the region to ensure their own security and interests. The US leverages the principle of self-determination to portray itself as the protector of free nations and forges alliances with countries in exchange for projecting its own geopolitical preferences.
Asia, unlike Europe, is characterized by strong nationalism rooted in a history of colonialism and unresolved conflicts. This makes Asian countries more defensive and patriotic, prioritizing their own interests over a shared heritage. For example, Korea fiercely rejects any Chinese claims over its culture, as it rejected the historical notion of Sinocentrism in favor of its own nationalist exceptionalism. Japan, too, sees itself as a rival empire and rejects the idea of Sinocentrism.
While South Korea and Japan share a common alliance with the US, their national identities often lead to antagonistic relations between them. This nationalism also poses a challenge for the US to create a cohesive alliance system in East Asia, similar to NATO in the Euro-Atlantic region. The concept of “Asia for Asians” is hindered by each nation’s belief that it is the best and should prioritize its own interests. China, on the other hand, seeks to promote a shared notion of “Asianness” to expel the US from the region, but has not been successful in doing so thus far.
The divisions among Asian nations provide the US with an opportunity to maintain its presence in the region by exploiting these differences. To establish a more cohesive alliance system in East Asia, China will need to persuade Asian countries that its influence is not a return to historical tributary arrangements. The complexities of nationalism and competing national interests make it challenging for any one country or power to dominate the region.
In conclusion, while China urges Japan and South Korea to cultivate “strategic autonomy” and work with Beijing to revitalize Asia, the reality is much more complex. US allies in the region see the US as a necessary presence to counterbalance China’s power and protect their own interests. Nationalism and a history of conflicts in Asia make it difficult to create a cohesive alliance system, similar to NATO. China will need to overcome these challenges to effectively promote its vision of a more influential Asia.
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